Electricians, listen up.

[Mike058]

I'm going to build a 24x36, two floor garage/shop. I got a bid from an electrical contractor and included in the bid is installation of a light over the panel in the garage, a GFI outlet under the panel, a new light and switch by the entry door. All I asked for was to run a line out to the garage. My question is "Does that sound like required work per the electrical code." I've bought two books that are really good about explaining this kind of stuff and I'll be danged if I can find either one. They cost like $60 a piece too. nuts.

 

[Willl]

Its been 15 years but went thru the same thing.
24x36 single floor with 1 man door and a 12 slider.

I wanted him to install the minimal.
By code in my area he had to install;

1 breaker box.
1 GFI outlet.
2 overhead indoor light outlets controlled by 2 gang? switches by each door.
1 outdoor lamp over man door controlled by 1 switch by man door.

 

[schmism]

" I've bought two books that are really good about explaining this kind of stuff and I'll be danged if I can find either one. They cost like $60 a piece too. nuts.

was one of them a copy of the NEC? if not your not going to find your answers in the "How to" books.

Id ask him why he included those items and if they were required by code and what sections of the code if thats the case.

 

[cityfarma]

In Australia, only licensed sparkies can touch any fixed wiring (*). The only way to get a license is by doing a full electrical apprenticeship. Even to replace a wall outlet with the same type of fitting can only be done legally be a licensed sparky. No wonder people risk doing the work themselves at the price sparkies charge! Even university trained engineers can't do it!

In West Australia, you have to do a course involving about 7 (I think) evenings before getting a plug and cords license. (Only required for commercial work)

I am not against electricians but after 5 years training in electronics and 30 years experience, not being allowed to replace a power socket is ridiculous

(*) It is possible to get (very) limited license to disconnect and reconnect equipment for certain trades such as stove or airconditioner installers. Also "Plugs & Cords" for appliance repairers.

Cityfarma

 

[Cap-n-Cray]

First what are you going to be doing in the shop? Welding? Compressor? Lift? Size the breaker box to your needs. Plan for enough power so you will not have to upgrade later. Where are you getting the power from? House panel or pole?

Then just have the min. set up as posted above. My shop has a 200 AMP supply with its own meter.

Cary

 

[RonMar]

Id ask him why he included those items and if they were required by code and what sections of the code if thats the case.

Yep
Ask him to explain his bid. He should be able to cite the code and explain why he has to put those items in if they are required.

 

[Charlesaf3]

Gotta say it sounds reasonable to me, including prices.

Cityfarma - code is a lot easier out here, we're pretty much allowed to do anything to our own house.

 

[dmccarty]

As other said, ask him if it is required by code.

I am pretty sure it my area you had to have a light that covered each entrance. We have lots of lights on the porches but I remember having a conversation about this with the builder. We don't have a door bell though. Not required and I hate the things.

We do just happen to have a GFI outlet and lights near our service panels as well. Its certainly a good idea. We have a great electrician. He installed a couple of lights up in the attic. I'm sure he did it because HE is tired of working in dark attics. I DON"T like dark attics either so I was very glad to see he had installed the fixtures.

Later,
Dan

 

[vic4news]

I'm going to build a 24x36, two floor garage/shop. I got a bid from an electrical contractor and included in the bid is installation of a light over the panel in the garage, a GFI outlet under the panel, a new light and switch by the entry door. All I asked for was to run a line out to the garage. My question is "Does that sound like required work per the electrical code." I've bought two books that are really good about explaining this kind of stuff and I'll be danged if I can find either one. They cost like $60 a piece too. nuts.

This is exactly what is required by code where I live in NH.

Vic